Best Online Master’s in Project Management Programs
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- A master's degree in project management is a great tool for career development.
- You'll be more hirable, vastly improve your skills, and increase your earnings potential.
- The average project manager with a master's degree makes between $84,000-$94,500.
Being a project manager without a master's degree is like being camped a few thousand feet below the summit of Mount Everest. You've done great work until this point, but the real payoff is reaching the top.
A master's in project management will make you stand out. You'll catch your employer's attention, boost your earning potential, and improve your project management skills. Project management master's degrees are also widely available online, making learning easier and more flexible.
Why Should I Get an Online Project Management Degree?
You don't need a master's in project management to be a project manager. That's one reason to get it — you'll be far more qualified than your peers.
Pay is another big plus. Project managers with a master's degree make about 15% more per year than those with a bachelor's degree, according to Payscale.
Benefits of a Master's in Project Management
- Boost your salary and potential lifetime earnings
- Advance your career with a more prestigious degree
- Improve your project management skills
- Increase your chances of employability
Reasons to Get Your Master's in Project Management Online
- Learn from wherever you want
- Keep working while you study
- Flexibility improves work-life balance
- Better for neurodivergent learning styles
Project Management Master's Programs You Should Consider
How Much Does a Master's in Project Management Cost?
On average, a master's in project management costs $13,698 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. It costs slightly more than the average for all other degrees, $12,174.
Average Annual Tuition Cost
Business/Management
$13,698
All Master's Degrees
$12,174
Read More:
Best Master's in Project Management Online Programs
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Brenau University
Gainesville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $785
Out of State | $785
Credits to Graduate
39
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Brenau's MBA offers a variety of concentrations, including a master's project management degree. You can complete the MBA through hybrid study or fully online. Coursework explores leadership, project planning and control techniques, and contract management.
Brenau's online MBA culminates in a capstone in strategic management and policy. Brenau accepts applications for the MBA on a rolling basis throughout the year. Admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA and a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $565-$615
Out of State | $565-$615
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Liberty's master's in project management online incorporates Christian ethics and principles. You can complete Liberty's master's program in roughly 1.5 years through eight-week online courses. Liberty allows students to transfer up to 50% of the credits needed to complete the degree.
Courses explore supply chain, quality, and risk management strategy, culminating in a capstone requirement. For admission, you must hold a bachelor's degree and demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA in good standing. After graduating, you may qualify for leadership positions in healthcare, technology, marketing, or engineering.
City University of Seattle
Seattle, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $715
Out of State | $715
Credits to Graduate
45
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
CityU's MS in project management follows the guidelines of the PMI Institute (PMI), one of the most prominent professional organizations for project managers in the United States. You can apply completed credits toward PMI's project management professional certification.
The online master's in project management develops skills in risk management, project planning and control, and project integration. The program ends with a capstone that consists of a two-part action learning project.
Brandeis University
Waltham, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Course
In State | $2,928-$3,660
Out of State | $2,928-$3,660
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education
Brandeis' online master's project management degree incorporates traditional and contemporary team leadership skills. The MS in project and program management covers topics like risk management, project scheduling, and negotiation and conflict resolution.
You can complete courses asynchronously online and finish the program in 1-3 years. Brandeis offers full- and part-time study options for the online master's degree. Admission does not require applicants to submit GRE or GMAT scores.
Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Shreveport, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $416
Out of State | $416
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
The online master's in project management at LSUS focuses on process improvement. The LSUS MBA with a concentration in project management prepares graduates for certifications such as Project Management Professional or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
You can complete LSUS' online project management master's in as little as 10 months. To apply, you must hold either a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA, work experience, or sufficient GRE/GMAT scores.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $480
Out of State | $480
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
IWU's dual-degree program awards both an MBA in project management and a master of science in management with a concentration in IT. You can complete the online master's project management degree in 28 months. Courses cover topics like talent management, financial reporting, and cyber law. You'll also complete a capstone project in applied IT.
You can apply 18 credits towards your degree if you already have project management professional certification. Admission requirements include an accredited bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 2.5 may receive probationary admission.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $585
Out of State | $585
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
KU's online project management master's degree follows the Project Management Institute's Project Management Body of Knowledge guidelines. Core courses explore team management, financial management, and interpersonal communication skills. You must also complete a capstone requirement.
KU accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. You can complete your online project management courses asynchronously. To apply, you must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. You may waive GRE scores if you have at least two years of relevant work experience.
George Washington University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,885
Out of State | $1,885
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center
GWU began offering its specialized master's degree in project management online in 1996, making the program one of the oldest of its kind in the world. Required courses include risk analysis for decision-making, project economics and finance, and project management principles.
GWU accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year and operates two online MS in project management cohorts a year. You must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. GWU has a test-optional admissions policy regarding GRE and GMAT scores.
Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $610
Out of State | $610
Credits to Graduate
38
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
CU offers an online MBA with a concentration in project management. Courses in the master's in project management emphasize six critical business disciplines: accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior.
You can begin the online program in the fall or spring semester. All MBA faculty members are Christian. Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and demonstrate a minimum 2.7 GPA.
Georgetown University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,527
Out of State | $1,527
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Georgetown's master's project management degree focuses on the full life cycle of a project, from start to finish. Courses explore project charters, risk management plans, and work breakdown structures. You can earn a graduate certificate in lean and agile practices while completing your master's degree.
You can begin the online master's in project management in the fall, spring, or summer semester and complete the degree in 2-5 years. Georgetown does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission.
How Long Does an Online Master's in Project Management Take?
An online master's in project management usually takes 2-3 years to finish. The timeline can change depending on a few different factors:
- Credit requirements
- The pace of the coursework
- If you're a full-time or part-time student
- If you're in an accelerated program
Timeline for a Master's Degree
Average Length of Time*
2-3 years
*Varies depending on your school/program
Required Course Credits*
30-60 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program
What Are the Admission Requirements for Project Management Programs?
Each school has different admission requirements for an online project management program. But you expect to need most of the following:
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university
- Official transcripts from your previous school(s)
- Grade point average from undergraduate (sometimes high school as well)
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test scores
- References
Related Master's in Project Management Degree Concentrations
- Applied Business Management: Focus on finance, strategic planning, and managerial communication principles in the global marketplace. Learning outcomes include the ability to lead diverse teams and apply strategy to business decisions.
- Criminal Justice Leadership: Get training to become a law enforcement manager. You'll learn criminological theory, criminal policy development and analysis, and the administration and management of criminal justice organizations.
- Healthcare Administration: A blend of best practices for healthcare administration with project management. Courses include operations management in healthcare organizations, healthcare finance, and healthcare information systems.
- Human Resources Management: Learn how a company or organization hires, trains, and retains highly qualified employees. This concentration typically bases the curriculum on the HR Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management's industry standards. Topics include collective bargaining and labor relations.
- Public Administration: Public administration analyzes public finance, budgeting, and public sector leadership. You'll analyze the latest academic scholarship and apply new knowledge and skills to real-life situations. This concentration often leads to work as an administrator at local, state, and federal government agencies.
How Much Money Can I Make With a Master's in Project Management?
Read More:
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's Degree in Project Management
Most jobs will have you overseeing projects, developing strategies, and coordinating tasks for team members. Others will rely on your expertise in business organization to direct and advise employees on their work.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Project Manager | $81,540 |
| Operations Manager | $53,000-$126,000 |
| Project Engineer | $52,000-$98,000 |
| Quality Manager | $61,000-$126,000 |
| Senior Business Analyst | $73,000-$128,000 |
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Project Management
Do You Need a Master's Degree to Be a Project Manager?
You don't need a master's degree to be a project manager, but having one is a significant advantage. A master's degree gives you substantial credibility and expertise, increasing your chances of getting a job. Employers are more likely to favor someone with a master's degree than a bachelor's degree, which is the usual minimum requirement for project managers.
What Are the Advantages of Studying Project Management?
Two big advantages of studying project management are high salaries and diverse job opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a project manager is $94,500, which is about 47% higher than the typical salary for all other occupations. Nearly every industry and business need project managers, making your experience widely needed by employers.
Which Is Better: PMP or Master's in Project Management?
Both a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and a master's degree have value in the eyes of employers. It's best to have both, but choosing between them mostly depends on your career level, goals, and expectations.
You need 3-5 years of experience leading projects to qualify for a PMP. You need 36 months of experience if you have a bachelor's degree and 60 months without a four-year degree.
You can earn a PMP more quickly — it requires 35 hours of professional development and an exam — than the 2-3 years for a master's in project management. But it's for that reason that some in the industry consider a master's to be more valuable. A master's is more prestigious because fewer people are likely to complete it than a PMP.
If you want more prestigious credentials that lead to higher salaries and better upward mobility, a master's in project management is a better choice.
What Classes Will I Take in an Online Master's in Project Management Program?
You'll take classes that give you practical knowledge and techniques for leading, assessing, and analyzing projects. For example, a business analysis class teaches you how to apply user and organizational goals to create a management plan for long-term projects. Other common classes include:
- Leading organizational change
- Supply chain management
- Project metrics, monitoring, and control
